Northwest Books

Like some of Osprey's previous publications on the Native Americans, this skinny book focuses on the whole of the material culture of these tribal groups, not just their military attributes. This book would be a good starting point for someone seeking to understand the history and culture of the Northwestern Tribes, or for someone looking for a deeper understanding of their material culture, their clothes, weapons, canoes, and houses.

The tribes of the Pacific Northwest, often overshadowed by the American wars of their Plains neighbors, developed a rich and colorful culture largely free from European interference until 1805. This book pertains to all the various tribal and language groupings of this region from this date until 1884, when the Canadian Government outlawed many of their rites and customs, like their famous potlatch feasts.

These tribes, at least at first, do not strike one as being as militant and fierce in temperment as some of their cousins farther south and east. Their reputation as ruthless and formidable warriors is often overlooked due to their deserved reputations as traders, craftsmen, artists, scouts, and whalers. Nonetheless, many of these tribes, especially the Tlingit (pronounced 'Klinkit'), Haida, and Kwakiutl, were as scrappy as any of the plains or desert tribes. They engaged in vengeful blood feuds, slave raids, and attacks on weaker and more peaceful neighbors. These tribes dominated their neighbors, but did not fare so well against Americans and Canadians, or especially against epidemics like smallpox. Pages 36-42 tell the story of these peoples' losing wars to free themselves of American rule.

This volume excellently illustrates the several warrior societies that existed throughout the BC, Washington, and Oregon regions, showing their bizarre and almost frightening masks and costumes. Also illustrated are chiefs, common warriors, hunters, and a number of women and children. Some rare black-and-white photos from the late 19th Century further flesh out the appearances of these noble peoples.

Overall, I think this book is essential for someone who, like me, has a casual interest in the history and culture of these particular Native American groups, and would also be highly useful for an artist, wargamer, or student of Indian costumes.

Classic Middleton

I just discovered this book and is a treasure!! For teachers in the classroom or to share with child who is interested in the natural world. Covers the entire ecosystem of the Pacific Coast forests, including the bugs. As a teacher I could use this book in grades 3-5 (maybe younger with help in reading) in a thematic unit for at least six weeks. Very rich in text, illustration and information. I highly recommend this book!

This book is a great book for those who are expecting. The author is very funny in the way she describes pregnancy and is the perfect baby shower gift. She could be the next Erma Bombeck! Highly recommend!

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This book by Ruth Kirk (author of many Washington guidebooks) and Richard Daugherty (a leading Washington State University archaeologist involved in many of the studies discussed in the book) provides a wonderful introduction to the field of archaeology and to many of the diverse sites which have been studied across the state of Washington. In the process, the reader is exposed to many themes: the dramatic geologic events that characterize the state's history (volcanoes, tsunamis, mudslides, ashfalls, giant floods), food-gathering and cultural patterns of Native Americans, long-term patterns of climate change, and effects of European contact. A very interesting chapter on archaeology of newer sites related to European settlement is also provided. The photos and list of references at the back of the book are excellent. This book makes me want to go out and visit the sites (where possible) and museums to see what is discused firsthand.

The book provides an excellent overview of the interaction between Canada and the US in the Arctic. Starting with a short preview of Northwest Passage exploration, the author details Canada's identification with the North and why it is psychologically important as a national ideal. She contrasts the psychological importance with the lack of definitive legislation, development and enforcement that would be required to make the ideal into reality. She discusses the difficulty of protecting Canadian sovereignty while cooperating with the US to maintain continental security during and after WWII. She discusses basic international law as it pertains to Northwest Passage diplomacy and gives a good indication of what the two neighbors feel, why they disagree, and how they can still cooperate to achieve common goals. In addition to providing an overview of Northwest Passage diplomacy it offers an interesting look at national identity and how two unequal but inextricably allied nations deal with disagreement. Pretty academic but an easy read with exhaustive footnotes, bibliography and appendices. Appendices include several small maps showing routes and a list of transits. My only complaint is, if you're looking for the one paragraph that explains what the current position of the two governments is regarding the Northwest Passage, it's not intuitive to jump to the bottom of page 149...but getting there is worth the effort!

This book gives a fascinating portrayal of the early Explorers of the Arctic. The book was authored by a former USAF officer stationed in the area for several tours of duty. With his unique first-hand knowledge of the area and it's history he guides you through a spellbinding account of what *really* happened in the great frozen North. This is a MUST READ for anyone interested in the Historical Northwest Passage.

Presented in an innovative format of book, music, and interactive CD-ROM, Arctic Odyssey was inspired by the journey photographer Richard Olsenius made through the Northwest Passage, a waterway that's still treacherous, mysterious, and alluring to adventurers. It all works very well to capture an authentic feeling for the majesty of the Arctic. The main attraction here is the music, which is beautifully done with a far greater range of melody than I've come to expect from New Age music. Indeed, thankfully it bears no resemblance to that idiotic, monotonous, whiny New Age stuff that makes me psychotic to the point where all I can think about is strangling somebody. The music here is mostly piano-based, and the whole package is well worth seeing and hearing.

Best Rosemary Bread and Blue Cheese Dressing recipes ever!